What Jesus Did! 'Better Off?' — Matthew 11:22-24

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

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[Continuing his denouncement of cities that hadn't repented, Jesus said:] "I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.

"And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you."

— Matthew 11:22-24 NLT

Key Thought

In today's society, we don't like to talk about judgment, especially religious judgment. Most churches tone it down. Many who profess faith in Christ are ashamed of the passages that talk about judgment. Most people today are not even aware that the same Good News that talks about not being judgmental of others also is the Good News that most strongly emphasizes that Jesus will judge based upon our response and obedience to him. Matthew's gospel clearly demonstrates again and again that our decisions about Jesus, his identity and his lordship, and our obedience to his word all have eternal consequences. To reject Immanuel, God with us, brings judgment. To reject God's clearest example of his grace is to bring judgment. Jesus leaves us no neutral ground. We either decide for him or face judgment without him.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, please help me to be firm in my commitments to you and faithful in my service to your children so that I will not fall under your judgment. Give me a greater sense of urgency and a greater effectiveness in communicating your love, grace, and salvation in Jesus. Be with me and speak through me as I try to share the story of Jesus with my friends and family. In Jesus' saving and precious name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 7:21-23
  • Matthew 13:40-43
  • Matthew 23:29-33

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 11:22-24 NLT — "I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. "

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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